The Influence of Multipartyism on Perceptions of Transparency and Accountability in the Planning and Budgeting Process in Bushenyi District –Uganda

This study examines the influence of the Multiparty System of governance on the perceptions of transparency and accountability in the planning and budgeting process in Bushenyi District- Uganda. The introduction of multiparty politics in 2005 heralded a period of varied political parties that were formerly barred from organising, participating in the political process and had varied ideologies and policies. This has had a profound effect on the perceptions of transparency and accountability in the planning and budgeting process under the Multiparty System of governance which gives room for representation of various voices. In practice, this paper finds that the principles of participatory planning and budgeting have been violated, due to the manipulations, political corruption and patronage-clientelistic networks at both personal, party, national and local levels. This has had adverse effects on the transparency and accountability in the planning and budgeting process since a priori the process should involve participation of all relevant stakeholders such as technical officers, CBOs, opinion leaders and political arms of local governments. This has led to an outcry for more transparency and accountability in government processes.